Sad day for local MHAs

Burin-Placentia West MHA Clyde Jackman said that was his first reaction to Premier Kathy Dunderdale’s announcement Wednesday morning to resign.

He had gone over to Mrs. Dunderdale’s daughter, Sarah, in the lobby of Confederation Building to console her about her mother’s resignation.

“It’s not an eight hour day job. Her family does get her back now.”

Mr. Jackman said politics is a very demanding career and job for anyone.

“History books, in my mind, will be very kind to Kathy Dunderdale.”

He referred to the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric development in Labrador as one of her legacies. “She saw through what Danny Williams had started.

“The $1 billion loan guarantee (from the federal government) will save the people of this province millions of dollars.”

The MHA also pointed to the European CETA free trade agreement benefitting the fishery, an industry he recognized was changing in this province.

Mr. Jackman said the fact she was the first female premier in this province “set some ground breaking work for women. It’s a testament to the number of councils on the Burin Peninsula, which had more women elected last year.”

What will Mrs. Dunderdale be remembered for by the residents of this province?

“First and foremost she did the best for the people she served. One of the things she stood for was ‘principle’ and in all my dealings with her she had a heart.”

Like Mr. Jackman, Grand Bank District MHA Darin King felt the premier had been considering her future for awhile now and her vacation this past weekend with her family was the deciding factor.

“I think she’s been reflecting on her future for a length of time. She’s been a loyal party member and recognized the party has been kind to her.”

Mr. King said this is a day to focus on Mrs. Dunderdale and her contribution to the province.

“I’m experiencing mixed emotions today. Like Mr. Jackman, Mrs. Dunderdale and I had a different bond from others being from the Burin Peninsula.”

He served as her House Leader, a role of which he was proud.

“I’m sad to see her leave. History will judge her kindly, much more so than some others today.

“She served her province well and I’m happy she’s with her family now.”

Mr. King added a lot of positive things were happening with her government, particularly with families.